Lawyer: How LASTMA officials stole my $1,700, phone

A journalist and lawyer, Osa Director, has sued the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), seeking damages to the tune of N100 million and the recovery of his $1,700 and A52 Samsung Galaxy Handset.

In the Suit Number ID/16108MFHR/2023 filed at the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja Judicial Division, Osa is seeking the enforcement of his fundamental human rights.

The lawyer stated that his car was on August 24, 2023, unlawfully ambushed, forcefully seized from him, and driven to an unknown destination by two LASTMA officials in company of two “thugs” dressed in police uniform.

He noted that his Ford Edge SUV has since then been forcefully detained and kept in the custody of LASTMA in one of their car parks.

Osa added that $1,700, an A52 Samsung Galaxy Handset, and other valuables, such as perfume and hand sanitizers were inside the vehicle when the vehicle was taken from him.

After writing a petition dated August 25, Osa said he was invited to LASTMA Head Office on October 4 after he returned from Abuja where he attended the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference.

The lawyer added: “Unfortunately, the sum of $1,700 and the A52 Samsung Galaxy handset were no longer in the vehicle at the time of the visit.

“The vehicle search by both parties was video recorded by LASTMA.”

Apart from the recovery of his money and handset, he is seeking payment of damages to the tune of N100 million for subjecting him to “untold hardship, trauma, loss of business and violation of his right to life, dignity of human person, liberty, freedom of movement and the right to own property.”

The matter has however been fixed for mention before Justice O.A Odusanya at the court on November 14, 2023.

The Star